“The responsibility for ensuring employees have the right to work in the UK rests with the employer.

“The UK Border Agency is working closely with employers and contractors at Olympics venues to prevent illegal working.”

Security firm G4S have faced heavy criticism in the run-up to the Olympics in Newcastle, after they failed to live up to their promise of providing security staff on Tyneside.

Earlier this week more than 500 staff from security firms across the country were called in to patrol St James’ Park, check bags, marshal spectators and carry out routine public safety and security functions for the tournament, which runs to August 4.

It was the latest foul-up by the company after it emerged this month they had failed to ensure enough security staff turned up to provide protection for footballers staying at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead.

Home Office officials were unable to release the nationalities or ages of those arrested, but confirmed they had carried out a raid.

Meanwhile, a Northumbria Police spokesman said: “On Wednesday, July 25, officers carried out a number of arrests in conjunction with the UK Border Agency in connection with suspected immigration offences.”

Last week two Olympic security guards were arrested on suspicion of being illegal immigrants at Coventry’s Ricoh Stadium. One was due to be a supervisor for G4S.

The Pakistani pair, aged 21 and 24, are believed to have been working for several weeks at the ground, which is one of the 2012 football venues.

LOCOG further came under fire after fans reported delays getting into St James’ Park prior to Mexico’s goalless draw with South Korea.

Today Newcastle City Council’s director of operations 2012, Stephen Savage, said: “LOCOG are responsible for ticketing, sales and collections, and as soon as the city council became aware of the delays we made the strongest representations to LOCOG to tackle this issue.

“I’m pleased they have now come up with a solution to reduce delays.

“The atmosphere at yesterday’s games was absolutely marvellous and the fans of Mexico, Korea, Gabon and Switzerland were a credit to their nations.”